The immune system faces a barrage of infection and illness causing germs as well as stress from environmental pollutants and yet it still does a good job of protecting the body. However, even the strongest immune systems are still vulnerable and natural health supplements are often recommended by the alternative health community, especially for those with weaker or compromised immune systems.

According to Harvard Health, "Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies."

Natural health supplements are not strictly regulated thus consumers need to make sure they choose reputable manufacturers in order to maximize potential benefits.

While more studies are needed on the efficacy of natural health supplements to boost the immune system, alternative health doctors and consumers commonly choose these supplements to help ward off illness and allergies.
1. Vitamin D: While this vitamin is well known for its critical role in bone health, awareness about the effect of vitamin D on the immune system is growing. According to the Vitamin D Council, "It has been shown in many studies that people with low vitamin D levels tend to get more respiratory infections. Some research has shown that people with high levels of vitamin D who get respiratory infections have a shorter illness duration or less severe symptoms."

2. Probiotics: The live bacterium in probiotic supplements are similar to the beneficial bacteria in the human digestive tract. Both friendly and harmful pathogenic bacteria coexist in the gut and probiotics can help assist the immune system in keeping the upper hand. According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, "probiotics can provide multiple benefits for your immune system. When probiotics are abundant in your body, it’s harder for bacteria that cause illness to get a foothold. Some also keep you healthy by making bacteriocins, which suppress the growth of harmful bacteria."

3. Zinc: This mineral is touted as being effective against many kinds of infections as well as for its ability to shorten the duration and symptoms of the common cold. It appears that zinc may have the ability to inhibit the common cold virus from replicating. According to Science Daily, "Scientists determined in human cell culture and animal studies that a protein lures zinc into key cells that are first-responders against infection. The zinc then interacts with a process that is vital to the fight against infection and by doing so helps balance the immune response."

5. Multivitamins: "A 2007 article published in the British Journal of Nutrition notes that vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, D, E and folic acid, as well as minerals iron, copper, zinc and selenium, all work to improve immune function in different capacities," reports Livestrong.

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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